Darkling Stalker

Description

The Darkling Stalker, designated as card number 119, originates from the 1997 Tempest expansion of Magic: The Gathering. This creature card belongs to the black mana color identity and is classified as a Common rarity within the set. As a Shade Spirit, it brings a distinct flavor to the game's fantasy landscape, appealing to collectors who appreciate the early design language of the game's most iconic expansion. Designed by Susan Van Camp, the card represents a key moment in the evolution of creature types and mana costs during the late 1990s. The Darkling Stalker requires four mana to cast, combining generic mana with a single black mana symbol. Its gameplay mechanics offer strategic depth through two distinct activated abilities. Players can pay one black mana to regenerate the creature, allowing it to survive lethal damage. Alternatively, paying another black mana grants the Darkling Stalker a +1/+1 boost until the end of turn, providing temporary combat resilience or damage output. For collectors, this card serves as a tangible piece of trading card game history. Whether you are a long-time veteran of the game or a new collector exploring foundational sets, adding this card to your portfolio offers a connection to the strategic roots of Magic: The Gathering. It stands as a testament to the creativity of its era, blending thematic storytelling with functional gameplay. Collectors often seek out cards from this period to complete set collections or to appreciate the unique design choices that defined the game's early years. The Darkling Stalker remains a recognizable figure for fans who value the depth and complexity introduced in Tempest.